The Power and Privilege of Citizenship

As I was lying in bed early this morning as usual, the Holy Spirit got my attention, as He always does. I don't find that strange, because it is always in the mornings, early, that He awakens me. This is why the title of this article has changed as well as the subject. I just want to share this thought with you. Whenever the Holy Spirit awakens me in the early part of the morning, I am honored. Why? Because I am a priority to Him in the Kingdom, and it causes me to be submissive to His leading.

The most important power and position of national privilege for an individual is citizenship. Citizenship is the most valuable asset of a nation and is not easily given or to obtain from a country or nation because of its power and impact. If you have any doubt of the power of citizenship, read how it affected the ambassador Paul, who had a dual citizenship: And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”

When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.” Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

All governments are supposed to defend the right of citizenship with the same fervor because of its implications. If you have noticed, I used the word "supposed". Citizenship isn't a membership, such as a religion. Religions function on membership, while nations and kingdoms function on citizenship.

In recent months immigration has become a very hot topic here in the United States, and elsewhere on this planet. Here is an example: For months, debates have raged over the status of millions of illegal aliens here in the United States, mostly from Mexico, who live and work here in the US. Rallies in support of these illegals have drawn thousands out onto the streets. Some legislators have proposed granting all illegal aliens currently in the country immediate legal status and placing them on a short track to American citizenship. Others insist that the US government detain and deport as many illegal immigrants as they can find and increase border patrols at the US and Mexican border to prevent further would-be immigrants from crossing over. There are even some who have seriously proposed building a fence along the entire 700 mile length of the border.

From a kingdom point of view, I am not trying to make a case either for or against the advantages or benefits of being an American citizen. My point here is that citizenship is a powerful draw. People are attracted to a nation that appears to promise a better life than the one they are presently living in. Some people even become desperate enough to do anything they have to do to become a part of that nation.

The concept of citizenship is critical to understanding the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. All governments and kingdoms operate on governing laws and principles. Citizenship is necessary for the validity and legitimacy of any nation.

Citizenship has great power as well as great privileges, especially in the Kingdom of God. Why, because the Lord God always keeps His Word. This is why individuals are willing to risk their lives and cross borders even to the point of death to pursue the hope of citizenship. Citizenship is not only sacred, but sanctified, set apart. A citizen is part of an elite, privileged group. Now I have experienced how this country treats some of its citizens, but in the Kingdom of God, the King is concerned and loves all of His citizens. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. We aren't His subjects, we are His children. The ambassador Paul stated it this way: Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

﻿As a sacred privilege, citizenship is the most precious gift that any nation can give. That is why there are laws to protect people from it and protect it from people. Apart from native-born citizens, citizenship is neither awarded lightly nor obtained easily. And it shouldn't be. Citizenship is too precious a treasure to be handed out indiscriminately like candy.

Please note: When it comes to the matter of citizenship, the Kingdom of God is no different from any other country. Remember the Kingdom of God is not a religion called Christianity. It is a government with a country. Heaven is that country and Jesus the Christ is its King. The man of God Isaiah stated it this way: For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Like any other country, the Kingdom of God has the laws and principles of citizenship. And, like the example of the United States, stated above, once people know about the Kingdom and once they understand what it is and what it has to offer, they will clamor to get in. This is what Jesus was referring to when He stated, “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.